Trihexyphenidyl (trihexyphenidyl HCl)
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
Trihexyphenidyl is an antimuscarinic antiparkinsonian agent.
USES: Trihexyphenidyl is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease or involuntary movements due to the side effects of certain psychiatric drugs (antipsychotics such as chlorpromazine/haloperidol). Trihexyphenidyl belongs to a class of medication called anticholinergics that work by blocking a certain natural substance (acetylcholine). This helps decrease muscle stiffness, sweating, and the production of saliva, and helps improve walking ability in people with Parkinson's disease.
Anticholinergics can stop severe muscle spasms of the back, neck, and eyes that are sometimes caused by psychiatric drugs. It can also decrease other side effects such as muscle stiffness/rigidity (extrapyramidal signs-EPS). It is not helpful in treating movement problems caused by tardive dyskinesia and may worsen them.
Generic name: trihexyphenidyl HCl
Pronunciation: (try-hex-ee-FEH-nih-dill)
Reference product & biosimilars
No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.
Today’s intelligence on Trihexyphenidyl
Indications
The following indications are listed for Trihexyphenidyl:
- Arteriosclerotic Parkinsonism
- Drug-Induced Extrapyramidal Reaction
- Idiopathic Parkinsonism
- Parkinsonism
- Postencephalitic Parkinsonism
Also known as: Drug-Induced Extrapyramidal Symptom, Paralysis Agitans, Parkinsonian Syndrome, Primary Parkinson's Disease, Trembling Palsy.
Dosing
Dosage of trihexyphenidyl hydrochloride is expressed in terms of the salt.
Dosage of trihexyphenidyl hydrochloride must be carefully adjusted according to individual requirements and response, especially in patients older than 60 years of age. Therapy should be initiated with a low dosage and then the dosage should be increased gradually to the desired effect.
Trihexyphenidyl hydrochloride is administered orally (as tablets or oral solution). Tolerability may be increased if the total daily dosage is divided and given 3 times daily with meals. Higher dosages (exceeding 10 mg daily) may be divided into 4 doses; if a fourth dose is necessary, it should be given at bedtime.
If trihexyphenidyl produces excessive xerostomia, the drug should be given preferably before meals, unless nausea is a problem. In patients prone to excessive salivation, it may be preferable to administer the drug after meals. If xerostomia occurs when trihexyphenidyl is taken after a meal, mint candies, chewing gum, water, or a saliva substitute may be used to alleviate this effect.
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Drug interactions
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There are no contraindication interactions for this drug.
There are no severe interactions for this drug.
There are no moderate interactions for this drug.
Contraindications
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There are no contraindication contraindications for this drug.
There are no severe contraindications for this drug.
There are no moderate contraindications for this drug.
Adverse reactions
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There are no severe adverse reactions for this drug.
There are no less severe adverse reactions for this drug.
Precautions
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ICD codes
No ICD codes are available for this drug.
Formulary status
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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
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